We’re looking forward to introducing you to Mariana Pierce. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Mariana, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Writing. I started writing back in college. Mostly poetry and short stories. I wrote from experiences, from travels, from changes, from love, from emotion. Writing always made me feel alive in a way no other creative outlet ever did. Until photography came in, which in a different way opened up a tangible form of expression and connection with myself and others.
Photography came quick and took over all, it became my work and passion. And I am forever grateful for all that it has brought to my career, to my growth and to my learning. But in this path I somehow forgot about writing.
Funny enough passions do have a way of coming back at the right time. This year became a groundbreaking year in decisions, in taking time to slow down after more than I want to admit nonstop working years, to enjoy life, to observe again, to connect. To choose working months and then months to fuel up my creative life. And then to choose living those creative months in Spain.
The Mediterranean has come with a fresh breeze, slow living and inspiration. I started to write again. And it has brought the magic back. The joy that patiently waited for me to be ready again.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Mariana Pierce and I am the creative director and owner of Pierce Weddings. We specialize in elevated multi day experiences at stunning destinations worldwide.
Whether it’s a destination wedding, a private event or an editorial project, we are committed to creating a detailed reportage of unscripted moments while delivering a collection of images that will inspire and connect for years to come.
Blending editorial style, artistic composition and raw emotions is what our brand and our souls find passion in.
As a brand and as a creative house we draw immense joy from the genuine connection with our clients, capturing moments with intention, always seeking the emotion and beauty in between.
After many years of traveling and shooting in different cities and countries, we have recently opened offices in Spain to serve the European clientele. Serving prime destinations and best wedding venues in Europe in places as Mallorca in Spain, Sintra in Portugal, Lake Como, Tuscany and Puglia in Italy, among what we hope will be a new exciting venture. We are excited about the growth and about creating more art for our clients!
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest moment of being powerful comes from a simple and innocent wish that became a the repeat memory I often tell myself as a grown up whenever my spirit wants to break. Back in elementary school I attended my first school fair, one of many that happened throughout the years. The school fair had a lineup of food stands, games and activities, and in the far end a big white tent with the word Raffle and many products hanged and placed in there. Toys from all sorts, fun trinkets, stationary things, and more than a 9 year old’s eyes could take in.
I remember clearly being there with my mom, standing and watching the numbers on each item go from 1-200. So much to see, to want, to dream about. But my eyes were fixed on one thing, the first thing that caught my attention. A royal blue calculator. It was new and bright and somehow I knew I wanted it. I asked for a ticket, and knew I was only getting one chance. I said aloud: I’m getting that blue calculator. My mother smiled, but I was determined. I guess I just knew that wanting it in than intensity meant that it had to happen. A bit of determination, of faith, of focus.
I stood in front of a big crystal bowl with many folded numbers, I fished in and pulled a folded paper out. I gave it to the raffle lady. She opened up her eyes widely and laughed while reaching for the blue calculator. She opened the paper and the number matched. I wasn’t somehow surprised, because it was like I already knew. The magic worked. I felt amazing. Magical. Strong. And I guess powerful.
I didn’t know it then. But determination, faith and focus were a powerful path. They still are. A mixed recipe for life. For believing, for trying, for working hard, for letting myself dream of achievable calculators. 🙂
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When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
Kurt Cobain once wrote in his personal journal: Thank you for the tragedy. I need it for my art.
That phrase has resounded in my life ever since. It has become a mantra, along with a Nirvana song playing in the background.
Pain will tear you apart, pain will break your heart. But staying still and dwelling in it forever won’t make it go away. At least not in my case. Feeling the pain and going though the hurt will always be necessary, for the time you decide. But mending a broken heart with art, with expression, with communication, will help the process in one or in many ways. At least trying to.
Creating from pain, from tragedy, from sadness, from drama, from voids and darkness, will give you a purpose. And if in the creating, in writing, in movement, in sculpting, in cooking, in drawing, in playing, in anything, your heart gets lost in it, then and just then the pain undercomes the power of your spirit trying to resurface. And your spirit elevating from that is the most powerful thing there is. Fenix Power or Nirvana Power as I like to call it.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Loyalty to the bone. Empathy. Compassion.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
My tap dancing to work comes from experiencing a wedding celebration and the truly happy energy that moves around that day. Connecting with families, friends and being able to capture the moments is like a perfect behind the scene from a rom-com. First seat to witnessing a love story is a gift is you have an empathic heart and toasts make you tear up a bit.
Besides from this, awards and recognitions in the industry are a well received pat in the back to years of hard work.
In 2021, I was named Rising Star of Wedding Photography by Rangefinder Magazine. A sought after recognition for wedding photographers. Rangefinder remains as an elite group of selected professionals that chooses the 30 best in the world.
And then, in 2022, 2023, and 2024, I was honored by being named as one of the Top Photographers in the World by exclusive wedding blog Over the Moon by Vogue’s editor Alexandra Macon.
Every magazine, blog and feature keeps a testament of the wedding industry recognizing art and work. And I am humbled and motivated by it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pierceweddings.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pierceweddings/
Image Credits
Ph: Las Genaras
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
